After two previous attempts, private marine salvage contractor Parker Marine Worldwide LLC was finally able to remove the 40-foot vessel, dubbed Boom Boom, from a reef in Kaneohe Bay early today.

According to state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward, the contractors started their work during high tide, around 4 a.m.

“It took longer than normal because they were trying to be as careful as possible not to cause any further damage to the reef,” Ward said.

The vessel ran aground around midnight on Nov. 6 on the reef near the Ahu o Laka sandbar, causing damage to live coral in an area used for marine tourism.

The contractor tried unsuccessfully to free the vessel on Thursday and Friday.